Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Ladies often refrain from using makeup daily. Often they complain of breakouts on skin or oily look due to usage of foundation. It happens because skin pores get blocked with foundation and further cause skin problems if not cleaned daily. I use foundation almost daily and have always chosen from Lakme daily range. I was an ardent fan of Lakme daily souffle and Lakme face magic daily foundation. However I was looking for an advanced foundation with more benefits, which is why I switched to Lakme Absolute Mattereal Mousse Foundation.

-Works on my skin as I stay indoors in air conditioned room for 8 hours and my skin is a combination one. However foundation may run out in humid climate. Those with dry skin should moisturize face before applying.

- Gives full but light coverage. Not recommended for those who need heavy coverage or for party makeup.

-For daily use, price is on higher side.

- Does not stay for 16 hours. Good for 6-7 hours. Have to reapply after 8 hours.

-Though the content is cakey and spill proof, it should be held cautiously. If tumbled or tilted, the whole content falls out in one piece. (I have suffered twice)

I would rate it 3.5 on 5 since I look for more coverage in a little lesser price. Rest, the product is fantastic with matte feather touch.

Tuesday, October 13, 2015

This post is an account of our last day in Manali as we visited Manu temple and part of Old Manali.

Day 3. Itinerary

1. Manu Temple

We left early morning from
our hotel even before breakfast, hiking to Manu Temple just one & a half kilometre away. The narrow lanes with an upward steep felt tiring in the first go
but as the morning Sun and pleasant breeze embraced us gently, it kept us going.
The road is not motor-able though we spotted locals driving Maruti 800 (the
most common car there) on those steep roads.

(Manu temple is 3 km from Mall road)

The sight of hip hop
colourful eating joints selling momos and soup, little cafes by the river side,
bike renting shops was quite thrilling. The quiet lanes of Manali apparently
appeal to people from abroad. Few come to meditate, few for break year after
school and many come in search of Marijuana. India being half as expensive as
their country, makes them settle here. Most of the bike renting shops we saw
were owned by NRI.

We paced slowly towards
Manu temple observing the clouds, old houses, vegetable shops and the lifestyle
of the people. No wonder why do hill stations appeal so much!

Manu Rishi is the originator
of human race and also the creator of Manusmriti, the book that laid the
foundation of mankind. This is the only temple in India dedicated to Manu
Rishi. Apparently the place was named Manali after him and this temple was the
very place where he meditated after stepping on the planet.

Paving our way through the slippery stone path, the sight of the temple was sheer delight. A huge rustic looking bell at the entrance of the temple said it all. The temple is very old, only to be rebuilt in 1992 with curved ceiling and marble floor. The whole structure is made with wood and stones. The river Beas flowing by, adds mystical charm to the temple.

The view from temple

Wood and stone structure

The exteriors

This was quite
fascinating. As we entered the main shrine, the whole wooden flooring, peaceful
ambiance and the neat spacious hall filled us with tranquility. Worshipers sit
on the wooden floor and meditate for hours. The blue sky and clouds wave hello
to you through the windows. No loud music or snob display of richness was the
ultimate experience! After all the whole mankind runs after peace of mind, isn’t
it? I came out enriched with spiritual bliss.

We walked out and I made a new furry friend. The kind management of the temple and people around the premises are canine friendly. They don’t mind sharing space with these fur balls.

2. River Music Cafe

The down trek from Manu Temple did not take us long. The lanes which were quiet in morning, were bustling with energy then.

We took left from
the little bridge to stop at River Music Café for a quick bite. The eating
joint is located next to the river from where the view is marvelous.

Fresh apple juice is a must try in Himachal. Highly recommended. No preservatives,
no additives. Pure, cold pressed, fresh.

The eating joint has a
small passage to go near the river. Advisable-
Not to be adventurous. Do not jump into the water or attempt crossing the
river. You might disappear in the high water current within few seconds! We
basked in the sun and sat by the river relishing each moment in Manali,
before retiring to our hotel room and packing up.

3. Great Himalayan Forest Park

Our check out time from
Rohtang Manaslsu was twelve noon and our Volvo departure time was half past
five in evening. Ouch! With more than five hours in hand, we kept thinking what
to do, when suddenly an idea struck upon us. We had crossed the Great Himalayan
Forest Park everyday while going to Mall Road. With our bag-packs on shoulders,
we checked into this serene place, void of any footfall. The silence of the
serene place was accompanied by the roaring Beas river. The only sound in this
protected forest was a tractor which had come for repair work.

The forest houses the Nehru Pheasantry with few species of fauna. Though the idea of caging them does not feel good at all, but at-least they are protected. We witnessed the Himalayan Monal who resembles a short version of peacock. Watching birds is so much fun!

Monal

Another protected specie of bird

We spend a great time in the Himalayan Forest free of cost, soaking in fresh air and treating ourselves to peaceful moments.

Credit: Hubby of course

At 2:00 pm, we strolled out
from the forest to Mall Road and had scrumptious lunch at one of the
restaurants there. Post lunch till the time of scheduled departure, we lazed
around clicking as many pictures as we could and collecting memories till we
visit this beautiful place again.